The South African Rock Encyclopedia > Rock Lists > Top Albums > Top Ten South African Prog & Psych Albums
Battle Hymn of the Broken-Hearted Horde – Freedoms Children (1969)
This album has all the wonderful excesses of early progressive rock; the deep “meaningful” poetry, spoken words, majestic organ-playing, sound effects, choirs, long guitar solos, etc. I love it!
African Day – Hawk (1971)
White boys play ethnic rock. Before Osibisa (a Caribbean/ Ghanaian hybrid) or Johnny Clegg’s acclaimed afro-pop band, Juluka, there was Hawk. Combining classical, folk, jazz, progressive rock and traditional African styles, Hawk were unique and original.
Astra – Freedoms Children (1970)
Take a listen to “Astra”, the tremendous Freedom’s Children LP. The words and music were penned by Freedom poet and former bass guitarist, tall, long-haired Ramsay Mackay. Their sound – it’s called “astrological rock” – is unique. It is really a pamphlet of our time. A colourful picture painted with sounds.
Peter Feldman, November 1970
Galactic Vibes – Freedoms Children (1971)
This is one of the best heavy psych albums to come out of South Africa or in fact the world, phased out vocals, heavy as lead thumping rhythms on the bass and drums and guitars that weave in and out of the tracks like a madman on acid. Mind melter!
Freak Emporium
Awakening – The Third Eye (1969)
The Third Eye’s debut album “Awakening” (styled as “awakening….”) is an interesting mix of original songs and covers from a variety of diverse sources. Featuring the young and talented Dawn Selby, the band blended elements of progressive rock, acid rock, and psychedelia to create a unique and captivating sound.
Chimera – Duncan MacKay (1974)
Duncan Mackay’s “Chimera” recorded in 1974 and forever forgotten by all but the most devout is a brilliant slice of ’70s progressive keyboard-based rock. Keith Emerson, Jon Lord, and Rick Wakeman are obvious influences on this work, but Duncan clearly stamps his own sound onto this 3-track album. (Only 3 tracks? – well this was 1974, the era of ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’ by Yes!).
Genesis – McCully Workshop (1971)
Drawing from progressive rock’s expansive compositions, “Genesis” featured extended multi-movement pieces. However, tracks like “(We All) Look For The Sun” and “Sweet Fields of Green” embraced a radio-friendly approach with Beatles-influenced sophistication, distinguishing the album from the era’s dominant bubblegum pop.
We play heavy music.
Tully McCully
Ten Light Claps And A Scream – Otis Waygood (1971)
Ten Light Claps And A Scream” marked a creative turning point for Otis Waygood in 1971, as the South African blues-rock pioneers moved away from their traditional 12-bar blues foundation toward darker, more experimental territory. The album title itself reflected the band’s diminishing live appeal, as bassist Alan Zipper noted they were “trying to play serious music but it was indulgent and boring”.
Time To Suck – Suck (1970)
I think King Crimson, Brian Auger, Free, Deep Purple, Colosseum and Black Sabbath would be quite chuffed that their tracks were so well covered!
Leon Economides, February 1998
Silver Trees – Abstract Truth (1970)
Excellent early ’70s melodic wistful freak rock blends with African sounds featuring assorted instruments keyboards, flutes, electric guitars, saxophone, percussion, etc. A refreshing approach.
Freak Emporium
Originally compiled by Brian Currin, June 2000. Album covers and capsule reviews added August 2025.